Gary Elmer Kranz

Gary Elmer Kranz, age 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at Heritage Place in Mapleton, Minnesota. He was born October 22, 1929 to Elmer and Olive (Burger) Kranz in Mankato, Minnesota. He later welcomed a sister, Shirley.

Gary was united in marriage to Aline Roberts on November 19, 1950 in Garden City, Minnesota. Their union was blessed with six children. They belonged to St. Paul’s Lutheran church in Amboy where they were both active members.

Gary grew up in Mankato and moved with his family to Amboy when EJ and Olive bought into a Farmall implement dealership. This eventually became Kranz Implements, Inc. Years later Gary and Aline founded Kranz TV & Appliance.

Gary learned to hunt and fish from his father. He was a member of the Lions Club, the Moose Lodge and the Amboy-Good Thunder school board. Family and faith were paramount to Gary. He greatly enjoyed time with family and friends at their lake cabin and during winters in Mesa.

Gary is survived by children Kay (Dave) Wendelschafer of Cleveland, Kristine (Jim) Houtman of Friendswood, TX, John (Valerie) Kranz of Amboy, and Cara Kranz of Chicago; grandchildren Nicole, Diedre, Adam, Alissa, Katie Jo, Skyler, Justine, Alix, Rheana, Charlie, Leo and Owen; great-grandchildren Bellamy, Mila, Elijah, Sam, MacKinnon, Holland, Charlotte, Audrey, Belinda and James; sister Shirley (Richard) Johnson of Fairmont; daughter-in-law Shelly Owen of Eagan; and nieces and nephews; and dear companion Jean Rabenhorst. He will be greatly missed by all.

Gary was preceded in death by his loving wife of nearly 70 years, Aline; son Craig, daughter Ann and son-in-law Yooshik Jeon.

The family thanks the dedicated and hardworking staff at Heritage Place for their loving care and compassion for the last two and one-half years.

Memorials are preferred to St. Paul’s Lutheran church (PO Box 245, Amboy MN 56010), Canine Companions for Independence (www.cci.org/donate) or The Muscular Dystrophy Association (www.mda.org).

Services will be held on Friday, April 5 at St. Paul’s, 241 South Street E, Amboy. Visitation prior to the service begins at 8:30 with the funeral at 10:30. A luncheon will be served in the church basement after graveside services. Livestreaming will be available at www.mankatomortuary.com

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